Sunday was a day to celebrate children and culture at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii.

The third annual Aki Matsuri, or fall festival, honors the Japanese traditions of “bunka no hi” or “culture day,” and “shichi go san” or “seven, five, three festival.” Those numbers representing the ages of children.

A popular part of the festival is the keiki kimono dressing and picture taking.

“Shichi go san, 7-5-3, were the ages in the past where children, in reaching those ages, it seemed like overcoming obstacles. Those are very specific years for good luck and good fortune.”

Shinto ministers, however, say they will bless keiki of any age.

The JCCH will be holding its New Year’s Ohana Festival on Sunday, January 8. Click here for more information.